Four men sentenced for almost 50 years following Barnsley lorry smash

Four men have today (21 February) been sentenced for their part in a collision which killed a 58-year-old woman in Barnsley last year.

David Mellor, Alan Mawhinney and Wayne Carroll have been on trial for the last three weeks, charged in connection to the fatal collision, which occurred on Friday 14 September 2018, in the village of Brierley.

The driver of the HGV, Karn Hill, 23, of East View, Cudworth, Barnsley, pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving at an earlier hearing.

The four men were responsible for driving a stolen HGV Tractor Unit, dangerously and at speed when it was involved in a collision with mother-of-two, Jaqueline Wileman, on Common Road.

Mrs Wileman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The HGV then went on to collide with a house on the street, causing significant damage.

Today they were collectively jailed for 48 and a half years at Sheffield Crown Court.

The driver of the HGV, Karn Hill, 23, of East View, Cudworth, Barnsley, was sentenced to 10 and a half years for death by dangerous driving.

David Mellor, 48, of Bank End Road, Worsbrough, Barnsley was sentenced to 13 years in prison for death by dangerous driving and 9 years for aggravated vehicle taking ,to run concurrently.

Alan Mawhinney, 53, of Calder Crescent, Kendray, Barnsley was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for death by dangerous driving and 11 years for aggravated vehicle taking, to run concurrently.

Wayne Carroll, 29, of Chestnut Street, Grimethorpe, Barnsley was sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for death by dangerous driving and 12 years for aggravated vehicle taking, to be served concurrently.

All four men were also disqualified from driving for 10 years, to begin on their release from prison.

Detective Inspector Rob Platts, who oversaw the investigation, said: “Mrs Wileman’s life was cut tragically short by the horrific events of that Friday afternoon. Her family are now without their mum, daughter, sister and caring friend as a result of the actions by these four men.

“The havoc this incident caused, with the HGV being driven so dangerously and out of control, also resulted in an injury to another driver, severe damage to three other vehicles and damage to a house that will have to be re-built.

“My thoughts are with Jacqueline’s loved ones who have shown immense strength and dignity throughout the court process.

“From a South Yorkshire Police perspective we’re extremely pleased with sentences imposed today. The judge has taken into consideration the serious nature of the incident and the destructive impact this has had on the family of the victim and the community.

“The individuals sentenced today will now have a considerable amount of time to have a long hard look at themselves and maybe one day they will actually realise the impact of their actions.”